Look for a Pattern
A pattern is something that repeats. By identifying the pattern, the problem solver can predict what will "come next" and what will happen again and again in the same way. Making a number table often reveals patterns, and for this reason is frequently used in combination with the "look for a pattern" strategy.
Example Problem
"The Monsters of Muzz" opened on Monday. The first day there were 25 people who saw the movie. Word got out and on the second day 17 more people came than on the first day, so that 67 people had seen the movie after the second day. ON the third day 59 people came, 17 more than on the seocond day. If each day 17 more people more people saw the movie than on the day before, on what day would 500 people have seen the movie?
If you are having trouble, look at the table below.
If you are having trouble, look at the table below.